Is this why golf is dying. Is it just a victim of the times?

I would guess right now its diminished partially because we’re coming out of a worldwide recession. People were losing their retirements, I don’t think they’re spending what little they had on golf. That’s 5-10 years of people giving up the game.

But I also think the game is going through a contraction and will be just fine. I'm in my late 20s and maybe I'm fortunate enough that a lot of my friends golf, but there is a total shift happening on courses that should lead to more growth in the game:

Game is getting less "stuffy". I can't remember the last time I played without music going, even on nicer/"high end" courses, I've been talking to rangers with the speaker playing and no one says a thing. If you're smart and not blasting F bombs out the speaker, I don't think anyone cares. Even some of my friend's dads now are playing with music. Seems like people are going more Rodney Dangerfield, less Judge Smails.

Places like TopGolf are getting huge. You go on a weekday and they’re still packed. Makes the game approachable and fun for everyone, regardless of skill level.

Country clubs are recognizing young people aren't joining so they are offering pretty reasonable entry prices for people under 40. If you golf a lot, these can be a good deal. (assuming you live near one).

Pace of play FEELS like its getting better. Maybe it's just where I play, but as long as you're not chasing a league, people are moving. I don’t care who’s closer, just who’s ready (unless I’m trying to steal a read off you of course). Boost your ball OB, drop lateral. Ready golf is critical, no one out there is making the PGA next week.

/r/golf Thread